SWEDEN: Arla Foods considers further synergies
Arla Foods has indicated that it is mulling further efficiency gains having yesterday (15 May) announced 250 job cuts as it restructures its global business.
SPAIN: Panrico to shutter Seville facility, cut jobs
Spanish baker Panrico has announced plans to close its production facility in Seville in a bid to "remain competitive", resulting in 197 job losses.
JAPAN/US: Nichirei acquires InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises
Japan's largest frozen foods manufacturer Nichirei Foods has acquired the outstanding shares of US frozen food producer InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises.
On the money: Zetar develops year-round revenue
UK confectioner Zetar plans to grow its "everyday" sales, reducing the firm's dependency on seasonal revenues.
Sustainability Watch - Jerry Lynch, General Mills
Jerry Lynch, chief sustainability officer at General Mills, sees sustainability as an "innovation challenge", while uniting environmental and cost-saving strategies ensures the sustainability mission addresses environmental and economic aspirations.
just-food's 2012 Confidence Survey
We asked, you, our international readership for your views on how you believed the year would pan out for your business and for the food sector - and the results made for fascinating reading.
Brazilian bakery and cereals, packaging innovation - just-food's research round-up
This week's research round-up includes a clutch of reports looking at the bakery and cereals market in Brazil, innovation trends in chocolate and packaging innovation.
Latest food news 
UK: Industry rejects fresh "fat tax" call
16 May 2012
The UK food industry has rejected fresh calls for the imposition of a tax on unhealthy foods.
SWEDEN: Arla Foods considering further synergies
16 May 2012
Arla Foods has indicated it is mulling further efficiency gains having yesterday (15 May) announced 250 job cuts as it restructures its global business.
US: Target Corp Q1 profits climb, ups FY guidance
16 May 2012
US retailer Target Corp. has raised its full-year earnings guidance after booking an increase in first-quarter profits, boosted by "better-than-expected" sales.
Deal or no deal: CSM prepares for bakery bids
Dutch food group CSM is offloading its bakery assets. just-food takes a speculative look at the interest the sale could generate.
Hot issue
Arla cuts costs to keep pace with competition
The dairy giant is cutting 250 jobs - with more possibly to come - to stay competitive despite insisting sales are increasing.
Latest comment
Best bits: M&S touts value credentials with Simply launch
Food has been the strong suit for Marks and Spencer in the last 12 months. Ahead of its annual results next week, the upmarket UK retailer has launched a range of "everyday" products and, Dean Best writes, becomes the latest grocer to emphasise its value-for-money credentials.
BRAZIL: Tax charge, US weakness hit JBS
16 May 2012
SWEDEN: Cloetta earnings slide
16 May 2012
BELGIUM: PinguinLutosa records FY net loss
16 May 2012
The just-food interview - Unilever CEO Paul Polman
Consumer goods group Unilever has published the latest results of its Sustainable Living Plan programme. Dean Best met Unilever CEO Paul Polman to discuss the initiative, the successes so far and the problems ahead.
Recent hot issues
Sainsbury's confident as competition intensifies
The UK's third-largest grocer beat City forecasts when it reported its annual results this week and the company believes it will continue to prosper despite the prospect of a wave of competition on different fronts.
Latest food interview, analysis, comment and insight articles
On the money: Zetar develops year-round revenue
15 May 2012
UK confectioner Zetar plans to grow its "everyday" sales, reducing the firm's dependency on seasonal revenues.
Best bits: M&S touts value credentials with Simply launch
14 May 2012
Food has been the strong suit for Marks and Spencer in the last 12 months. Ahead of its annual results next week, the upmarket UK retailer has launched a range of "everyday" products and, Dean Best writes, becomes the latest grocer to emphasise its value-for-money credentials.
In the spotlight - Sainsbury's success points to position of strength
11 May 2012
Sainsbury's full-year profits came in ahead of City forecasts this week. Dean Best takes a look at how the UK retailer believes it can withstand fresh competition and how its success in the downturn means it is now in a position of strength.
Deal or no deal: CSM prepares for bakery bids
10 May 2012
Dutch food and ingredients group CSM announced plans to sell off its bakery business earlier this week. The speed of the decision to offload the division may have taken industry watchers by surprise but CSM has been giving off signals that it sees its future as a bio-based ingredients company for some time. Katy Askew takes a speculative look at the interest that the sale could generate.
On the money: Sainsbury's ready for battle on quality
9 May 2012
Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King has today (9 May) welcomed moves from its UK retail rivals to invest in product quality and service.
On the money: Tyson maintains emphasis on value-added
8 May 2012
US meat group Tyson Foods has revealed it will remain focused on adding value to its products in order to improve margins across its chicken, pork and beef businesses.
On the money: Hain points to US benefit of Irish deal
4 May 2012
Hain Celestial has said its acquisition of Irish food firm Cully & Sully will help it roll out chilled products in the US.
On the move: Orkla pledges to step up FMCG focus as CEO exits
4 May 2012
Seven months ago, Orkla CEO Bjørn Wiggen announced the Norwegian conglomerate would focus on the FMCG sector, earning praise from analysts in the process. This week, Orkla stunned the market with news that Wiggen had decided to resign. Eyebrows were raised further yesterday when it emerged the boss of Orkla's FMCG unit would also leave the business. Industry watchers believe the departures will not mean a change in direction but could suggest Orkla's owners were frustrated with the slow progress of the company's new strategy. Michelle Russell reports.
In the spotlight: Hard work ahead for new Weetabix owner Bright Food
3 May 2012
Ambitious Bright Food, the Chinese state-backed food group, missed out on previous Western targets like United Biscuits and Yoplait but it has planted a flag in Europe with the acquisition of a majority stake in UK cereal manufacturer Weetabix. The deal could give Bright Food some Western expertise to apply to its domestic business but, as Dean Best reports, its faces a challenge in building the brand in China, where it remains early days for breakfast cereal.
Talking shop: Does the hypermarket format have a future?
"Soulless sheds", "beached whales" and "blips in the history of retail" are descriptions that have recently been assigned to hypermarkets, a format that seems to have taken on the persona of a dinosaur whose days are numbered.
Get connected:
Reports in focus
Savory Snacks: Global Industry Almanac
Savory Snacks: Global Industry Almanac is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the Savory Snacks industry. It includes detailed data on market size and segmentation, textual analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, and profiles of the leading companies. This incisive report provides expert analysis on a global, regional and country basis.
Published Feb 2012 - ($ 2995.00)
- Home Cooking and Eating Habits: Global Survey Strategic Analysis
Published Apr 2012 - ($ 2600.00) - UK Consumer Satisfaction Index 2012 Food & Grocery | Verdict Consumer Report
Published Apr 2012 - ($ 5250.00) - Dairy: Global Industry Almanac
Published Mar 2012 - ($ 2995.00) - South Africa Brand Report 2012: Consumers of Baby Food
Published Feb 2012 - ($ 1450.00)
The just-food blog
UK food industry in spotlight over migrant workers
By: Michelle Russell
15 May 2012
UK food manufacturers were today (15 May) in the spotlight over claims of "exploitation and poor working conditions" facing migrant workers.
M&S growth target looks shaky
By: Katy Askew
14 May 2012
Marks and Spencer is expected to cut its growth target when it reports its preliminary results next week.
Spar International confirms end to Landmark India venture
By: Dean Best
11 May 2012
Global symbol retailer Spar International has confirmed its franchise venture in India with Dubai-based Landmark Group will finish at the end of the year.
Sainsbury's King looks for positives in falling food volumes
By: Dean Best
09 May 2012
Sainsbury's, the UK's third-largest retailer, today (9 May) issued a sales forecast that suggests food volumes will continue to fall in the months ahead - but, speaking to just-food, typically ebullient chief executive Justin King still looked for the positives.
Sainsbury's faces fresh challenges after strong year
By: Dean Best
08 May 2012
Sainsbury's, the UK's third-largest grocer, will tomorrow (9 May) report its annual financial results. Of the UK's largest food retailers, Sainsbury's has been one of the better performers in recent months but, as ever in the country's fiercely competitive market, it faces a new round of challenges over the next 12 months.
Waitrose puts words into action
By: Dean Best
02 May 2012
"What you'll see this year is Waitrose become more price competitive," Mark Price, the upmarket UK retailer's managing director, said in March. Today, the company indicated it would act on those words with two announcements - with Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado in the firing line.
Double-dip recession blow for retail industry says BRC
By: Michelle Russell
25 Apr 2012
The news this morning (25 April) that the UK's economy has slipped back into recession may come as little surprise to many, but for the UK retail industry, it is unwelcome news.
UK consumer spending power continues descent
By: Katy Askew
24 Apr 2012
The latest Asda Income Tracker certainly made for some depressing reading today (24 April), revealing that the average UK family has continued to see its disposable income drop - down 6.5% on the year.
The "sheer folly" of the UK liquid milk sector
By: Dean Best
20 Apr 2012
Dairy Crest's announcement this week that it is to close two dairies is yet another sign of the difficulty of trading in the UK liquid market.
Reggae Reggae sauce to make UK TV debut
By: Michelle Russell
16 Apr 2012
The man behind Reggae Reggae sauce, Levi Roots, has been busy since his appearance with his sauce on UK reality programme for inventors Dragon's Den in 2007.
Flavourings buyers' guide
The flavourings buyers’ guide provides a wealth of information regarding the fast-moving sector within the global food and beverage industries.
For the latest flavourings news, company announcements, whitepapers and a complete company directory, visit the buyers’ guide today.
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